Top things to do & see in Brussels

6/25/2018
Reading time: 6 minutes

Looking for things to do and places to visit in Brussels? Here you have our top tips for an unforgettable time when visiting Brussels. No matter if you travel or live in the European capital, we share with you the best places to visit. Brussels is culture, Brussels is gastronomy, Brussels is history but most of all, Brussels is original.

Brussels is Art Nouveau & Art Déco

It is impossible for you to come to Brussels without visiting the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. However, there are so many more amazing spots. Villa Empain and the Cauchie House are just two more examples of what Art nouveau looks like in Brussels. If you like Art Nouveau and biking, join this biketour by Pro Velo to discover the best architecture in town. If you wish to find out more about the architect Horta, you can visit the Horta Museum. Alone the building is the proof that perfection exists.

visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Brussels is green

Brussels is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Brussels has beautiful gardens, big parks and even forests. You can take wonderful pictures in front of the lake of the Bois de la Cambre. This park is one of the most popular recreational areas for the locals of Brussels. Some ducks and swans will even come to take a picture with you. If you like biking, the Astrid Park and Cinquantenaire Park will blow your mind. If you like flowers, you should visit the van Buuren Museum and Gardens. Enjoy a walk in the Sonian Forest, an amazing urban forest, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. It is the perfect spot to breathe some fresh air in the middle of the city.

visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Brussels is surrealism

Who said that being normal was cool? Brussels is so much more than cool, it is surrealist! There are numerous surrealistic museums like the René Magritte House Museum located in the house in which the Belgian painter worked for nearly 24 years. One of our favourites is the Magritte Museum, with its outstanding art collection.

visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Brussels is comic strip

Have you ever heard about Tintin, Spirou or those little blue characters: the Smurfs? Did you know that they were from Belgium? If you are coming to Brussels, you will see them everywhere. If you are interested in their story, you can visit several dedicated museums.

visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Brussels is festivals

Do you like to party? You are not the only one. Brussels is making sure that everyone is having fun. From Brussels Summer Festival to Couleur Café Festival, we are sure that you will find your favourite style of music. If you do not want to go to festivals, no problem, there are several pop-up bars and nightclubs as alternative.

visit.brussels - Eric Danhier

Brussels is gastronomy

Brussels is much more than chocolate, beer or waffles. Brussels is tasting new restaurants every day. Brussels is discovering neo-cantines and food-trucks from all around the world. Do you like to eat healthy? You should try CHYL but if you prefer a gourmet dish then Comme Chez Soi is the perfect spot for you. Then if you never tasted Belgian pastries, the Maison Dandoy is your next stop. Finally, if you want to taste the most prestigious Belgian chefs you can try the Tram Experience or Dinner in the Sky. Trust us, you will definitely remember this experience.

visit.brussels - Eric Danhier

Brussels is Europe

Let us not forget a very important part of Brussels: the European quarter, which is the heart of Europe. At the House of European History, you will discover Europe’s difficult path and be able to discuss its future. All of this in the 24 official languages of Europe. Once you know all about Europe’s history, visit the Parlamentarium where you discover the European Parliament in an innovative way. Good news, the visits are dynamic and interactive, even your kids will love politics. If you stay at one of our selected Thon Hotels, you can enjoy a walking tour through the European quarter.